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Time Limits

Time Limits

Beginning January 1, 1998, time limits were imposed which allowed you to only be eligible to receive a specific number of months of cash aid for your whole life. Children are not impacted by time limits and can continue to be aided, if otherwise eligible. To get cash aid after reaching the time limit, you must be:
 

  • Age 60 or older;
  • Taking care of an ill or disabled family member living in the home;
  • Responsible for a child who is a ward of the court or a child who is in danger of going into foster care, if it stops the person from working;
  • Disabled and getting benefits such as Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP), Workers’ Compensation or State Disability Insurance (SDI); or
  • A victim of domestic violence and the County determines good cause exists to waive time limits
     

On 5/1/2022, your time limits changed from 48 to 60 months. The 60-month time limit applies to you as a CalWORKs applicant/customer whether you applied before or after 5/1/2022. During the 60-month time limit period, there are months that do not count against the time clock if you:

  • Are disabled for at least 30 days;
  • Are taking care of a child that was cared for by the court or in danger of going into foster care;
  • Received no cash aid;
  • Are a victim of domestic violence;
  • Are 60 years or older; and
  • Received cash aid that was fully paid back by Child Support collection.
     

Time limit workshops provide important information about programs and services for you as you reach your time limits. Additionally, you will receive Time on Aid (TOA) notices that inform you about your time used, how many months of aid remain, which months were exempted, etc. The information on the TOA notice will help you learn how time limits affect you. You can get detailed information on time limits by contacting the County.